Link to article here.

Question now is, his replacement will be named AFTER the Legislature leaves. So will the new Director keep the status quo, or lead the agency to restore the public trust?

TxDOT chief executive Amadeo Saenz to resign

2:57 PM Wed, Jan 26, 2011 | Dallas Morning News
Michael Lindenberger/Reporter    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Texas Department of Transportation executive director Amadeo Saenz resigned today, just weeks after a hand-picked panel of advisors urged his bosses to make leadership changes at the highest levels.

He will remain in his spot, however, until Aug. 31.

Saenz, who has been chief executive of the 12,000-employee agency since 2007, is the first hispanic to lead the department, which is famous for its tradition of hiring from within. Saenz joined the department 33 years ago in Pharr District.

"Throughout the course of his career, Amadeo has earned a reputation as a leader and coalition builder, and earned the respect and trust of his peers across the country, our partners here in Texas, and most importantly, his employees.

"Amadeo has served his state with honor and integrity. TxDOT is a better agency today thanks to his leadership," said Deirdre Delisi, the chairwoman of the Texas Transportation Commission, the five-member panel that oversees the agency.